Pharmacy is one of the top courses to study in Nigeria presently. It is a five-year degree course at tertiary institutions in Nigeria, leading to a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), depending on the institution.
Pharmacy is one of the most sought-after medical courses, with its cut-off mark rapidly increasing in recent years, causing intense competition among students.
The curriculum is broad and covers areas such as:
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmaceutics
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics
To ensure the quality of education, all pharmacy programmes in Nigeria must be accredited by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Graduates must also pass the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) registration exam before they can practice legally.
State universities play a crucial role in pharmacy education in Nigeria by providing affordable and quality training to students across different regions of Nigeria.
List of state universities that offer pharmacy in Nigeria
Olabisi Onabanjo University
Olabisi Onabanjo University, popularly referred to as OOU, is a state university located in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. It offers a comprehensive pharmacy under the Faculty of Pharmacy.
OOU’s Faculty of Pharmacy was established in 1992, being the first faculty in Nigeria planned and established by pharmacists themselves.
The pharmacy programme at OOU is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences and practical knowledge.
The curriculum encompasses various disciplines, including:
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry:
- Pharmaceutics
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics:
OOU’s pharmacy programme is accredited by both the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National Universities Commission (NUC), ensuring adherence to national educational standards.
Kaduna State University
Kaduna State University is a state-owned university located in Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Kaduna State offers its pharmacy programme under the College of Allied Health Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
The Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) programme at KASU is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in pharmaceutical sciences, preparing them for various roles in healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry.
The curriculum typically covers important areas of study like
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmaceutics
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics
Gombe State University
Gombe State University is a state-owned university located in Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria. It offers Pharmacy under the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
The programme is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective pharmaceutical practice.
The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at GSU comprises several departments like
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology
- Pharmacognosy and Drug Development
Delta State University
Delta State University, popularly referred to as DELSU, is a renowned state university in Nigeria located in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria.
It has a strong foundation in pharmacy, offering a robust programme in pharmaceutical sciences.
The Faculty of Pharmacy at DELSU comprises six departments, which are:
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology & Biotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Administration
- Pharmacognosy & Traditional Medicine
- Pharmaceutics & Industrial Pharmacy
Enugu State University of Technology
Enugu State University of Technology, also known as ESUT, is a state-owned university located in Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria.
It offers a comprehensive pharmacy programme leading to an award in Bachelor of Pharmacy. The curriculum focuses on key aspects of pharmaceutical sciences, like
- Pharmaceutical Analysis
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Pharmacy
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University is another state-owned university offering pharmacy in Nigeria. It’s located in Anambra State, Nigeria.
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University offers Pharmacy under the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
It offers a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), a five-year degree course that encompasses a wide range of subjects, including:
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutics
- Pharmacy Practice
Their curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical knowledge, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the profession.
Admission Requirements to Study Pharmacy at State Universities
To gain admission into a pharmacy programme in a state university in Nigeria, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Sit for the UTME exam with the correct subject combination for pharmacy.
- Score at least 200-250 in the JAMB exam.
- Candidates must have at least five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects like English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology in their O level results in not more than two sittings. The required subjects are:
Cut-Off Marks for Pharmacy in State Universities
The JAMB cut-off mark for pharmacy varies across different state universities, but generally it falls within the range of 200 – 250.
Cost of Studying Pharmacy in State Universities in Nigeria
The cost of studying pharmacy at a state university in Nigeria varies depending on the institution.
Generally, the cost of studying pharmacy at state universities is between ₦150,000 and ₦800,000 per session, depending on the state university.
This covers expenses like tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, etc.
